How to Avoid Mining Job Scams in Australia
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Here’s everything you need to know to avoid mining recruitment scams and check whether a mining job is real.
It was a warm Sunday morning. I climbed out of bed and walked into the kitchen to grab a cold drink.
I picked up my phone from the kitchen top. Waiting there was a WhatsApp message sent at some ungodly hour.
“Your CV is in our database and we are recruiting for dump truck drivers for our Queensland mine. Pay: $800-$1,000 a day. Reply to this message to apply.”
Interesting.
I’ve never driven a dump truck. Probably never will. And why would somebody recruiting for a Queensland mining job send me a WhatsApp message at 1am on a Sunday morning?
A classic example of how fake mining job ads and mining recruitment scams often start. An unsolicited contact, unrealistic pay, and pressure to respond quickly
Mining job scams are back across Australia
We shouldn’t be surprised. The mining industry continues to grow, and there are always people looking to make a quick buck off the unsuspecting.
We’ve seen it before.
Texts, WhatsApp messages, emails, and a growing number of fake recruitment websites targeting people who want to get a start in Australia’s resources sector.
Many of these offer a guaranteed mining jobs in the industry. Others offer a list of suitable jobs or a guide on how to get into mining.
One common theme among them all is they require people to pay upfront for any of the services or information offered. Some websites were charging up to $900 for this so-called help.
These pages look legitimate because they feature “real-life” stories and case studies.
According to Scamwatch, job and employment scams are one of the fastest-growing scam categories in Australia, with fake job ads and impersonation of recruiters becoming increasingly common.
Side note: It’s a criminal offence in Australia to charge a jobseeker a fee to find them a job.
How mining jobseekers and trainees can spot a scam
Here’s our advice, specific to the mining jobs and mining recruitment:
- If you’re registering with a recruitment company, check to see if they are a member of the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association. Most recruitment companies in Australia and New Zealand are members and they must abide by a professional code of conduct.
- Do a Google search for the hiring company. Look at reviews, discussion forums, and community pages where mining professionals share genuine experiences
- Run a Google search of any listed office addresses. Often the address is a real street and suburb, but the actual street number or unit does not exist.
- Be cautious if you’re offered a mining job without an interview, asked to move the conversation to private messaging apps, or pressured to act quickly.
While none of these checks are foolproof, at least if anything looks wrong, they help you pause and verify whether a mining job offer is legitimate before sharing personal details or money.
A fine-minute search can save you hundred of dollars, and months of frustration.
Who’s targeted by mining job scams?
A study by the Financial Fraud Research Center at Stanford University’s Center on Longevity found that fraud affects people from all backgrounds.
Scammers don’t target intelligence. They target vulnerability.
That might be when someone is:
- Actively searching for mining work
- Changing industries
- Returning to work after time away
- Tired, stressed, or under financial pressure
In these moments, a message promising fast money and an easy start in mining can feel convincing.
This is why legitimate mining recruiters encourage candidates to take their time, ask questions, and verify who they’re dealing with.
Final thoughts
It’s worth reviewing official guidance on how to protect yourself from scams, including alerts from Scamwatch and Australian government agencies.
As a jobseeker, remember this one rule: No legitimate mining company or recruitment agency will ever ask you to pay money at any stage of the recruitment process.
If you’re seeking a new role in the resources sector, you are welcome to register with us and take a look at our FIFO mining job vacancies.
If you’re ever unsure whether a mining job ad or recruiter is legitimate, asking questions is not a red flag. It’s proper due diligence.
Keen to know about any mining jobs that might be perfect for you, as soon as they come up? Sign up for our free job alerts service.
FAQs: Common Questions About Mining Job Scams in Australia
Are mining job scams common in Australia?
Mining job scams do exist in Australia, particularly during periods of strong industry hiring. While most mining jobs and recruiters are legitimate, scammers tend to target jobseekers using fake job ads, unsolicited messages, and unrealistic pay promises. This is why verification is important before applying or sharing personal details.
Should I ever pay money to get a mining job?
No. In Australia, it is illegal for a recruitment agency or employer to charge a jobseeker a fee to find them a job. Legitimate mining recruiters will never ask for upfront payments, training fees, or “registration” costs as part of the recruitment process.
How can I tell if a mining job ad is fake?
Fake mining job ads often include vague role descriptions, unusually high pay, poor grammar, and pressure to respond quickly. They may also come via messaging apps rather than official email addresses. Legitimate mining job ads clearly outline the role, employer or recruiter, and hiring process.
How do I check if a mining recruiter is legitimate?
You can verify a mining recruiter by checking their company website, office address, and online presence. Many legitimate recruiters are members of professional bodies such as the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association (RCSA) and are transparent about who they are and how they operate.
Why do scammers target mining jobseekers?
Mining roles are often associated with strong pay and remote work, which makes them attractive targets for scammers. People looking to enter the mining industry or change roles may be more likely to receive unsolicited messages offering fast entry or guaranteed work.
What should I do if I think a mining job is a scam?
If you suspect a mining job is a scam, stop engaging immediately and do not share personal or financial information. You can report suspected scams to Scamwatch and seek advice from trusted industry professionals or recruitment agencies before proceeding.
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